Boston Celtics: 3 big questions heading into second half of season

Boston Celtics question No. 3) Will the Cs use the TPE by the deadline?

Perhaps the biggest question that has followed the Boston Celtics throughout the first half of this current season is when they’ll be using their historic $28.5 million Traded Player Exception, and who might they look to use it on.

Since landing said TPE in the offseason sign-and-trade that sent Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets, there have been constant rumors and ideas pertaining to how Ainge and co. could best utilize this luxury.

To date, however, the available cap space has yet to be used, which has made some people question whether or not the C’s front office will actually look to use it at all this season, or, rather, wait to the offseason and use it then.

Frankly, while we hope that Ainge makes a move by the deadline, we can logically understand why he may want to wait.

Though we have listed several candidates worthy of the TPE, such as Nikola Vucevic, John Collins, and many others, the fact of the matter is it could wind up costing more assets than the front office will be willing to part with.

Either that or these respective teams with wanted players will simply look to other potential buyers whose assets are more valuable than a bevy of late first-round selections.

No matter which route Ainge decides to choose, a decision must be made on when he’ll actually cash in on this traded player exception.

Though it finds itself last on this list, it very well could wind up being the first question of the bunch to find an answer.